biostudies-literatureHarunaga JIntramural NIH HHS1070-7https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC3318079biostudies-literatureUnknown90(9)Salivary glands form during embryonic development by a complex process that creates compact, highly organized secretory organs with functions essential for oral health. The architecture of these glands is generated by branching morphogenesis, revealed by recent research to involve unexpectedly dynamic cell motility and novel regulatory pathways. Numerous growth factors, extracellular matrix molecules, gene regulatory pathways, and mechanical forces contribute to salivary gland morphogenesis, but local gene regulation and morphological changes appear to play particularly notable roles. Here we review these recent advances and their potential application to salivary gland tissue engineering.Journal of dental researchDynamics of salivary gland morphogenesis.PMC3318079ZIA DE000525-21Harunaga JHsu JCYamada KMfalseDynamics of salivary gland morphogenesis.Salivary glands form during embryonic development by a complex process that creates compact, highly organized secretory organs with functions essential for oral health. The architecture of these glands is generated by branching morphogenesis, revealed by recent research to involve unexpectedly dynamic cell motility and novel regulatory pathways. Numerous growth factors, extracellular matrix molecules, gene regulatory pathways, and mechanical forces contribute to salivary gland morphogenesis, but local gene regulation and morphological changes appear to play particularly notable roles. Here we review these recent advances and their potential application to salivary gland tissue engineering.2011-01-01T00:00:00Z2011 Sep2025-04-05T13:00:32.595Z2019-03-27T00:51:53ZS-EPMC33180792148711610.1177/0022034511405330